“The by -elections postponed” Punjab under the flood

94 News ✍️ Mohammad Omar Ghaffar

Politics in Pakistan has always been subject to some kind of emergency. Sometimes court decisions change the political map, sometimes natural disasters change the public agenda. At the present time, severe floods in different areas of Punjab have not only ruined the lives of the people, but have also had a profound impact on political activities. In recent days, the Election Commission of Pakistan decided to postpone the by-elections in some constituencies, on which different opinions of political parties and public circles are being heard. But the important question is, how is this decision in the eyes of the affected people who are currently suffering from the ravages of floods?

Many areas including southern districts of Punjab, especially Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh and Bhakkar have been inundated due to heavy rains and flooding of rivers. Thousands of families have been displaced from their homes, crops have been destroyed, and everything from drinking water to medical treatment is severely lacking. In such circumstances, if one asks the affected person what is his opinion on the postponement of the by-election, he will probably have only one answer.: “We don't want elections, we want bread, medicine and a roof”۔

Postponing the election may be a temporary decision, but it can be a hope of salvation for the flood victims — if the government and political parties see the decision not just as a political compulsion but as a humanitarian one. The Election Commission postponed the elections based on security, accessibility, and public convenience, but not enough. The real need is to start rehabilitation in these areas on an emergency basis.

Unfortunately, in the past, such decisions have only been limited to a temporary response. Neither permanent rehabilitation measures nor future planning are carried out in the affected areas. This is why we see the same scenes every year after rains and floods: Houses submerged in water, children crying on the streets, and elderly people waiting for help.
Political parties should also take this opportunity to actively participate in relief work among the affected people instead of campaigning. If today they stand with the victims, tomorrow the public will also stand with them.
In the end, the postponement of the by-elections is not a tragedy, but an opportunity — for public service, for serious governance, and for political maturity. The question is not when the elections will be held, the question is whether we will once again understand the natural disaster as a human problem beyond political interest.

Note: The organization does not have to agree with the columnist.